Flowers, Swords and France

Under the slightly surprised gaze of everyone, Charles proudly announced His Majesty's - that is, himself - will with an unquestionable and confident attitude. Of course, he did not call this group of people here to discuss this matter. The main thing is to make them accept this decision and then cooperate with him to implement it.

No doubt there was a lot of opposition, and it was not a surprise to Charles.

In fact, it is strange that there was no objection, because he was tantamount to giving the entire French financial world a heavy blow.

Because of the work he presided over several times, French railway construction was in the ascendant, and the boom that lasted for several years kept the economy prosperous - in other words, it boosted an unknown amount of GDP.

However, the feast has a cost after all, and the cost of this craze is huge debts. The empire's railway industry has accumulated huge debts at an alarming rate in the past five years, and now these bonds have begun to pay off the debts. The peak period.

If nothing else happens, we will begin to face very difficult debt repayment pressure in the second half of this year.

But now that the empire is preparing for war, they don’t know how much military expenditure they need to prepare. It’s too late to borrow money, so how can they have money left over to pay off debts? Even if there were, His Majesty the Emperor and Charles himself were unwilling to repay precious funds to the people. There were too many places where money was needed.

At present, objections have been raised everywhere, and almost everyone who comes here is shaking their head to express that they cannot accept the emperor's will.

In order to control the situation and prevent these people from forming a unanimous voice immediately, Ciel spoke again.

"I remember just last year, when I just became the Empire's Minister of Transportation, I called everyone here and told everyone that the war between the Empire and Russia was imminent..." Charles looked around again and stopped these people. Whispering to each other, "Yes, it was already done at that time. Decision. And now, the time has begun to mature... The war may come at any time, maybe even in a few months. We don't even have time to discuss it slowly. We can only implement emergency measures as soon as possible, and I What you just said is part of the emergency measures.”

"Didn't it say that the Empire has begun to ease relations with Russia?" There was an uncertain murmur from the crowd, "I heard that the Imperial Government had a very good and frank discussion with the new Russian Minister..."

"It was indeed a good conversation. I like the minister very much. However..." Charles smiled and nodded, "It is precisely because we are preparing to fight with them that we will have a good conversation with them, right? If we still If you think about bargaining, you won’t put on a smile with them.”

How shameless! This thought crossed almost everyone's mind.

However, from the words of the Minister, they also understood that this would be a certainty.

"War..." Someone silently recited this glorious yet somewhat terrifying word.

"As the elites of the empire, you are very lucky. You don't have to go to the battlefield. Someone will bleed and sacrifice on your behalf and risk your life." Charles still smiled, "And you, what the country requires of you is just to cooperate with the empire. It’s just a temporary economic measure. As an elite, aren’t you willing to make enough efforts for the empire and the entire nation?”

"We are willing to contribute to the empire's war, but isn't this request too difficult..." At this time, someone finally came to his senses, and then questioned Ciel's decision in a low voice, "Your Excellency, this is not a situation. A little thing will shock the whole country!”

This is an old man with a gray goatee. He is Josdan Capafelle, a director of the Bank of France, and a close friend of Count Argoux, the current president of the Bank of France. Precisely because of his special status and his age and respect, he can also serve as a director to some extent. One of the spokespersons of the financial community spoke in front of the imperial government. It was obviously the most appropriate for him to be the first to speak out and question it.

At this time, the old man's pale face had some redness, and his carefully trimmed goatee was trembling. He was obviously shocked and dissatisfied, "Sir, your plan was not so good at the previous party. You didn’t tell us!”

Last year, when Charles first became minister, he summoned a large group of people to this club and revealed to them that the empire would likely go to war with Britain together with Russia, so it would expand railway construction and increase investment in bonds.

Although they were surprised at the time, they quickly accepted Shire's request. After all, who could have too many government-guaranteed bonds?

However, they did not expect that a year later, the imperial government would actually delay debt repayment. Wouldn't this make them very angry?

"There is no doubt that this is a big deal, so I have come to seek your help." Charles immediately answered the old man without waiting for others to intervene, "You are all important figures in the empire, in the financial and industrial circles. They all have full prestige. If you express your support, then this initiative will become a reality, won’t it?”

"But... but how do we convince the people?" Josédan Capafelle's beard trembled even more, "Don't forget, Your Excellency, this is a bond that people across the country are enthusiastically buying. This is their contribution to the country. Trust in the imperial government! If we do something like this...what will they think about the credibility of the empire?"

"The people will be very happy, because they will charge three more years of interest, won't they?" Charles asked abruptly.

This rhetorical question was so sharp that Josédan Capafelle, who was still speaking at length, was suddenly choked up.

"Not everyone thinks so." After a pause, Josédan-Capafelle finally found the words again, "For example, some people are in a hurry to use money..."

This is of course just an excuse. Although the railway bonds issued over the years have been purchased by a large number of people, they are actually very concentrated. Most of them have been purchased by wealthy tycoons or financial institutions. Josédan Capafelle himself and Naturally, my friends bought a lot.

These financiers have countless investment plans, and each account period is clearly understood. If they suddenly stop paying the due debt, their scheduled capital flow will be stable, and the investment plan will then be It will be brought to a standstill due to insufficient funds, and even the liquidity of the institution itself may have problems.

But now, under the banner of "patriotism," he cannot tell the truth, lest he appear to be only interested in self-interest, so he has no choice but to object based on "this will shake the government's credibility."

"This is indeed a very troublesome issue, and I also admit that many people will face similar difficulties..." Charles was not surprised by the other party's reaction, because he had actually been prepared for it, "So I was prepared in advance... …”

Then, Charles suddenly pointed at Mary, who was leaning next to him.

"This Miss de Leoland has recently taken over the affairs of Miss de Beauvin, who has just given birth, and through her communication, I have reached some consensus with Baron de Beauvin..."

Under the eyes of everyone who felt uncomfortable, Charles continued, "Baron de Beauvain understands the difficulties of the government and understands that the empire now needs everyone's efforts, so... he is ready to stand up and relieve the country's worries. , he wants to use his own money to help the country repay the bonds. He has promised that from the day the government stops paying, everyone can take the maturing bonds to the financial institutions under the baron to redeem them, and Everyone can get full repayment according to the face price..."

Damn it!

Only then did Josédan-Capafelle realize that the imperial minister had already been working secretly and had everything sorted, and then he suddenly attacked and poured out all the questions and answers at this meeting, catching everyone off guard. The child can only act at his own pace.

He does not believe that Baron de Beauvain is so patriotic, and the so-called full repayment must be a joke. He is purchasing a large number of bonds now, and it will be strange if he does not take advantage of everyone's anxiety to come up with some discounts. In the end, he After three years of free interest and discounts, he must have made a lot of money.

But at this time, even though he was angry, he didn't know how to object.

Not because he was afraid of the Baron, but because he knew that the Baron had always coveted the position of president of the Bank of France.

Although the Baron himself must have a plan, he is spending real money to support the empire after all. If the Baron is so patriotic and the Count of Argoux is not so patriotic, then who is more suitable to sit as the president of the Bank of France? This problem can be very fatal.

In his position, he couldn't express his opposition easily.

He remained silent, his brows furrowed, and his usually kind face now became ugly.

"Your Excellency, we are the only ones here. You can stop telling lies. You know, this is simply another coup! It is simply unbearable... Aren't you afraid of damaging the credibility of the imperial government?"

"Hahahaha..." Seeing the old man's defense, Ciel suddenly burst out laughing, leaving almost everyone baffled. Especially Josédan Capafelle, who felt like he had been tricked by this young man.

After laughing indifferently for a moment, Charles slowly stopped laughing, and then looked at the old man with a cheerful face again.

"You are right, this does make people a little worried, but... is this the time when we need to worry about this? Gentlemen, we are facing an imminent war! All our considerations now are just how to do our best as soon as possible It’s just about winning this war. If we win, we will be able to establish credit no matter what. If we don’t win...if we lose the war, then we will not even be able to support the imperial government. If the government itself doesn’t own it, what credibility will it have? So you don’t have to ask your question anymore, because there is only one answer – I don’t care! After all, this is a gamble, isn’t it? If we win, we will be the banker. As long as we are the banker, we can use the winnings to pay off the debt, right? I don’t understand what you have to worry about!”

Under the nervous or annoyed gazes of others, Ciel said this without any scruples.

Really honest, almost sincere and unreserved.

Under such circumstances, Ciel's frankness actually made these people admire him.

If it were ordinary political figures, or even His Majesty the Emperor himself, they would definitely be talking some sweet words now, bragging about the power of the government, the invincibility of the imperial army, the support of Bonapartism among the people, etc... some crazy people Silly words, but this minister, Charles, was different. He was energetic and outspoken. He did not say these words that insulted their intelligence, but frankly stated what he was thinking.

That's right, now His Majesty the Emperor, Your Excellency the Ministers, and their entire ruling group are already gamblers. They have made their bets and are waiting for God, the banker, to open the cup to verify the points. In order to ensure the victory of the bet, They don't care about the cost - because if the gamble fails, they will be left with nothing.

Because he is so open and honest, it makes people admire him a little.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

"Your Excellency, we all know that you are an outspoken person, but your outspokenness is still beyond my expectation." Josédan Capafelle was speechless for a moment. He didn't know how to accuse the empire anymore. The emperor and his Excellency the minister acted arbitrarily, because now that it has come to this point, perhaps there is no use in criticizing.

The only thing that can deter them now is strength, and his strength alone is not enough. He lowered his head slightly, then glanced at Alphonse de Rothschild who was standing not far away. With the influence of the Tehilde family, if he expressed his opposition, even the imperial minister would have to think again.

Not one person thought the same as him, many people looked at this young man.

Alphonse de Rothschild was used to big scenes and remained calm. He bowed slightly to Charles and said, "Your Excellency, at such a critical juncture, your frankness and calmness are greatly appreciated." It’s really admirable. Since Baron de Beauvain can make such a sacrifice in this difficult time for the country, then... I think... we can also..."

Almost at the same time, there was a sound of gasping air, and people looked at each other again.

Although Alphonse de Rothschild seemed to be moved and then made a decision, it was obvious that he could not be such a person. In other words, he had already reached a tacit understanding with the Minister beforehand.

So the question is, what kind of tacit understanding has the minister reached with him? What made him choose a side?

This question is difficult to answer, but no matter what, now that the Rothschild family and Baron de Beauvain have taken a stand, you really have to think twice before you want to object. For a time, the entire hall was almost empty. People talk again.

Josédan Capafelle, whose white hair and beard were trembling slightly, originally wanted to say something, but he took it back several times and reorganized his words until finally he made a decision.

"Minister...Your Excellency, you...the things you said are too heavy. This is not a decision that I can make at this moment and alone. I must...must work with my colleagues and partners. Only after we discuss it can we...can we come to a conclusion, please...please..."

"It doesn't matter. You can discuss it with anyone you trust. Of course, the premise is that he can keep it secret." Charles knew who he was looking for, so he didn't do anything wrong. "However, you must stay here. Today we We must negotiate a result!”

"Huh?!" The old man was stunned because he didn't expect Ciel's attitude to be so tough.

"I've made it very clear. This matter is very important, and it concerns the empire. We cannot delay it any longer! We will have a result today!" Ciel was not interested in waiting for others to use all kinds of intrusive means. To delay him, he had already made up his mind to get the result today. "You don't have to go back today. We will make a final decision in the evening. Whether you agree or disagree, you must make your position clear. But don't worry, there is no problem with your daily life here, and you will definitely be satisfied."

This is really... really... Josédan-Capafelle did not expect that the usually smiling Minister would be so determined and stern today, and he suddenly didn't know what to say.

But looking at the minister's expression, he knew that there was no way this young man could take back his decision, and he was obviously ready for everything.

Since we have to make a decision today, we can't waste any more time.

"Then...then at least let me write a letter now?" he asked with a slight protest.

"Oh, that's no problem." Charles smiled and nodded, then walked to the side of the champagne tower and picked up a glass of wine from the top, "We still have time today, let's talk about it after dinner! "

Under the illumination of candlelight, Imperial Minister Charles de Treville picked up the radiant wine glass and raised it high.

"Everyone, don't be restrained, we can do whatever we want here without anyone knowing!"

Mary, who was standing aside, was now looking at the young imperial minister with fascination. She had been staring at Charles from just now until he picked up the wine glass.

How handsome and charming this is! When he stepped over, everyone could only crawl on their knees, right? !

Yes, this is the power we want, this is the power I want! She could barely hold back her tears.

Thanks to the care of this young man, she was brought to this place, close to the highest hub of the entire empire, and smelled the smell of power.

This smell is so rough, so pungent, but... yet so fragrant, making people unable to extricate themselves and intoxicated...

I love you.

She raised her head and looked at Ciel, with tears in her eyes, but she slowly raised her hand.

"Pa" "Pa" "Pa"

Thin applause rang out.

Seeing the young lady's expression, Alphonse de Rothschild hesitated for a moment and also clapped her hands. Although the others were reluctant, they followed the crowd and were afraid of the minister's anger, so they also clapped their hands. Even Jostan Capafil clapped his hands a few times.

Amid the thunderous applause, Charles drank the glass of champagne. (~^~)